Getting Real About...

In today's episode, Shauna and Libby talk about how they are parenting differently the second (or fifth) time around.  Whether you're just embarking on the journey of parenthood, or you're a seasoned veteran of parenting, we hope you'll enjoy the conversation, candor, and laughs as we live and learn through parenting together.

Today, we are celebrating the one-year anniversary of Getting Real About! Mandy talks about how it started, how it's going and where we want to go in the future! She shares about some themes throughout the podcast episodes over the year, and how you, our listeners, helped us get to over 3,000 downloads!  We want to continue producing this podcast, so we would love for you to share this with the ladies in your life. You can follow the podcast on your preferred platform, and then share, share, share! And, we want to know what you want us to talk about! If you have any topics you'd like us to discuss, go ahead and email those to mandy@goldcreek.org, with the subject line: "Getting Real About Topics," and we will add them to our list. As we celebrate one year, we are sharing with you our very first episode of "Getting Real About..." You may have listened to this episode already, but it's the episode on Motherhood, which is our most downloaded episode to date! So take a listen and enjoy!

In today's episode, Mandy and Shelby get candid about having the best of all worlds! They talk careers, spouses, parenting and friendships, and how important it is to communicate your needs and when to ask for help. They address how resentment can sneak in when making career and parenting decisions, and how to stop your comparative suffering and incorporate a family gap plan. Thanks Brene Brown for the tips!

In today's episode, Shauna and Leah talk about cultivating empathy in all sorts of different spheres of life. They cover the differences between sympathy and empathy, talk about how empathy has factored into their parenting for kids of all ages, and share how empathy has been a catalyst for spiritual growth for them, where God has highlighted blind spots and challenged their thinking. You'll learn how to follow Jesus in His example of empathy, inclusion, and allyship, and be invited to listen to where God is calling you to cultivate empathy in your current season.

In today's episode, Sara and Mariah share their stories and experience of losing a child. This is an emotional episode, where the ladies share their testimonies and how they grieved their loss. They talk about how this experience brought them closer to God and give some advice to people who have experienced this themselves, as well as for friends and family, who know someone who has experienced this type of loss.

In today's episode, Stacy, Kim and Vanessa are talking about Raising disciples. Each of these ladies are at a different stage of raising kids, and discuss how they are doing this in a world with so many different belief systems and outside influences. You'll glean some tips and knowledge from these ladies about non-negotiables at home, how to keep Christ at the center of your family and using the bible as a rule book.

In today's episode, Haylee and Steph are getting real about Sticky Friendships. They talk about setting boundaries and when it's time to have a hard conversation with a friend. They touch on drama, the unspoken "pick-a-side," and navigating friendships with those who have different views and beliefs.

Today, Haylee and Hannah are talking to the expecting moms! Haylee talks about her experience as a new mom, and Hannah reflects on her experience as a mom of one, and how she's feeling about baby #2, who is due in April! The ladies discuss preparing for a baby, and what people did and did not tell them when they were pregnant. They also talk about the power of prayer, the roles their spouses and family play, and their overall journey of having their babies - stress, anxiety, nerves and the excitement!

In today's episode, Mandy and Janeen are talking all about life hacks! Janeen gives her best tips on topics like: travel, finance, camping, kids and home renovations. The ladies chat about giving life hacks a try, but if they don't work, they need to go! We hope you'll enjoy listening to this episode, and find some of the hacks talked about useful and make your life easier.

In today's episode, Mandy and Mariah are talking all about self-image. They discuss the physical, mental and emotional sides of struggling with our self-esteem and confidence. They also talk about the external effects that play into how we view ourselves. You'll hear some words of encouragement and get a few tips on how to have a positive outlook on your own self-image.

In today's episode, Corrie and Kristen are getting real about women in leadership. They talk about the true definition of a leader and what being a leader means to them. They discuss feelings of imposter syndrome and how important it is to have a mentor and sponsor in your life, and the difference between the two. If you are looking to grow as a leader, you will get some encouragement from these ladies, as well as some great book selections to get you started.

Naudia and Stacy are getting real today about mindset! They'll cover things like how mindset impacts marriages, parenting and relationships, and share some of their own struggles. They will also share how they are continuing to build a positive mindset for themselves and give some tips for those who are working on their mindset this year.

Kami and Mandy are back in another episode of "Getting Real About..." to talk about what the New Year brings. From resolutions to setting goals for ourselves - and where this podcast is going in 2022. Thank you for listening and supporting us this year!   Don't forget to subscribe to "Getting Real About..." on you preferred podcast platform and share us with all of the women in your life!

Kami and Mandy talk about self-care and how important it is, but how it can be difficult to take time for yourself. They talk about some of their favorite things from grabbing a coffee and walking around the store to the dream vacation! The ladies also discuss how it can be hard asking for help and making themselves a priority.

The holidays are approaching, which means, family, traditions, crazy schedules and stress are slowly creeping in. Stacy, Jen and Kami talk in today's episode about how to prepare for the holiday season. They talk about what it's like celebrating as a blended family, keeping fun family traditions alive, handling grief and some of their biggest joys and stresses around the holidays. Alright ladies...It's time to get real!

Today we are getting real and raw about a heavy topic: Stress, Anxiety & Depression. Mandy, Mariah, Kira and Jen talk about their own struggles dealing with these issues, how to recognize signs of depression and some encouraging ways to help someone who might also be struggling.  If you are in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-273-8255. If you would like to speak with a pastor at Gold Creek Community Church, please reach out to us at (425) 316-3333, or via email at info@goldcreek.org.

During today's "Getting Real About..." discussion, Kami, Joe, Tamarin and Vanessa get real about some of the top issues married couples face and some tips to get through those difficult times. They talk about ways to seek help if you are feeling lost or struggling in your marriage and give some advice to those who are considering divorce and how to heal during this time.  Divorce Care 2022 at Gold Creek Community Church Mondays from 6:30-8 PM starting on Monday Jan 17 Goes through April 18th and we skip a week for Spring Break.  It costs $30 to attend.  If you have already been through the class and have the new work book, you can get a discount. Email Kami@goldcreek.org.    Divorce Care for kids will be run if we have 5 kids minimum sign up. Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) is for kids ages 6-11 (first - 5th grade) and is offered free for parents that are attending Divorce Care.    Divorce care is for anyone who is separated, in the middle of a divorce, or who has been divorced...doesn't matter how long.  We will help you navigate the decisions and emotions that you will face as you walk through the healing process.    Registration Links: https://rock.goldcreek.org/registration/divorcecare2022 https://rock.goldcreek.org/registration/dc4k2022   Co-Parenting Works!: Helping Your Children Thrive after Divorce https://amzn.to/3biiHdu

Sara, Virginia, Jody and Sharon get real in today's episode about what it takes to have a strong marriage. They talk about the importance of being on the same page when it comes to parenting and finances, how good communication rules all and having God at the center of their marriage. Take a listen and enjoy some real talk about marriage!

Are you staying at home with your kids or considering being a stay-at-home mom? Then this episode of "Getting Real About..." is for you! In today's episode, Mandy chats with three stay-at-home moms: Katie, Amanda and Vanessa about their decision to stay at home with their kids, the expectations of their role and how they have to be intentional about staying connected with others. It's time to get real!

Making friends as an adult can be hard, awkward and cause anxiety for people who aren't comfortable putting themselves 'out there'. During Episode 8 of "Getting Real About..." Mandy, Stacy, Steph and Nancy talk about how at different stages of life, finding meaningful friendships can be tough. The ladies give some tips on how to get connected with other people with similar interests and the importance of being intentional with their friendships, whether old or new. Alright ladies, let's get real!

Today we are getting real about the reality of becoming an empty nester. Stacy, Sherri and Joy talk about how they have processed their kids leaving the coop, figuring out what life looks like once their kids are gone and reconnecting with their spouses. As the new school year approaches, many parents are being faced with an empty nest with kids going off to college. These ladies get real today about how they are dealing with this life change and new season. Alright ladies, it's time to get real about the empty nest!

Stacy, Shelby and Janeen are three friends who talk candidly about expectations we face as women in Episode 6 of "Getting Real About..." Often times, the expectations we place on ourselves is enough to make us feel like we are falling short. Then with the added expectations our kids, spouses, coworkers and society place on us, the pressure can be too much to handle. The ladies discuss how they've lost their identity during different seasons of their lives, and some expectations they've learned to let go of. It's time to get real and talk expectations!

Episode 5 of "Getting Real About..." is a conversation with three teens in part 2 of Teens & Technology. Tyler, Hailey and Tia talk with their Youth Pastor Haylee, about why they use social media and the role it plays in their lives. Get ready to learn some new terms like, "What's the move?" "Spill the tea" and "Finsta." Buckle up cause it's time to hear from the teens and get real!

Many teens are addicted to their phones and access to technology, so today we are getting real with a couple parents in part one, of a two-part series, of Teens and Technology. From time restrictions, boundaries and embracing social media, Lindsay and Alex share with Haylee, a Youth Pastor, their successes and struggles dealing with their kids and their access to technology. It's time to get real!

Episode 3 of "Getting Real About..." is dedicated to all the working moms out there! Shauna, Kristen and Naudia share how they juggle working full time jobs outside of the house, being intentional with their time at home and the reality of mom guilt. They share tips for creating an efficient routine to help prioritize time and some encouraging words for all the moms out there who are feeling the same pressures. It's time to get real!

Summer means longer days, fun and getaways--and hopefully plenty of sunshine! Join Jesi, Liz and Abbey during Episode 2 of Getting Real About...Making The Most of Summer. The ladies talk all about making summer plans and memories as well as humorous stories about things that have gone wrong on vacations and more. It's time to get real!

During Episode 1, Kira, Alayne, Stacy and Mariah are Getting Real About...Motherhood! They are at different stages raising their kids, from toddlers to teens, and talk about the highs and lows of being "Mom." You'll hear some of the best advice they've been given and some of their biggest mom fails. This episode is full of laughter, tears and all the honest truths that motherhood has to offer. It's time to get real!

We're just girls talking. But not in a glossed-over “I'm fine,” “Everything's OK,” kind of way. In an authentic, pull-back-the-layers, soul-revealing kind of way. Like talking with friends you haven't seen for ages, but easily pick up right where you left off.  No matter what season or circumstances you're in, you'll find honesty, understanding and the reassurance that you're not alone in your feelings.  Because the more we get real and share our true selves–as well as our struggles and triumphs–the more we become the women we're meant to be.